Since Kanye West's performed in an entirely white pair of the sneakers at the Billboard Music Awards back in 2015, the Ultra Boost has blurred the line between fashion and performance sneaker more than few others. It's understated silhouette, simple colorways and woven Primeknit upper makes it the most stylish performance running sneaker made in recent memory (especially when worn with track pants). Most importantly, of the dozens of pairs of shoes I've worn in the past couple years, the Ultra Boost is decidedly the most comfortable. The full length Boost foam-lined sole kinda looks like you're walking on styrofoam. It feels like you're walking on memory foam.

Well, Adidas did just that with the Kid Max 2014-0044, released back in September of this year. Billed as a fall and winter weather-variant of the Ultra Boost, the ATR sports an ankle-height sock for increased stability and splash protection, plus a deeper-grooved rubber outsole for better traction while running in wet weather. The original's plastic lace cage is replaced with Primeknit fabric, plus a smaller box that sits atop the shoe. Finally, the ATR comes in darker colorways Nike Free44-0925,Where to Order Cheap Jordan Super Fly 2 Black Crimson Gym Red White,Nike Flyknit-0134, as to not show winter muck after a damp run. Adidas sent me a pair to review, so I took them not only to the damp streets of Portland, but to the streets of New York.

As for the on-foot feel, the ATR is comfortable, but not quite as comfortable as the original Ultra Boost. Though the ATR's tougher sole provides better traction than the original it leads to an on-foot feeling that isn't quite as heavenly.

Further, the shoe feels slightly tighter-fitting and more socklike than the original. The ankle sock doesn't overheat the foot, but when tied tight, the tops of my feet develop a pinchy feeling after a few hours that doesn't Man Max TN-0108,NZ Nike Flex Show TR 4 Training Shoes Mens Grey/Blk/Green 329861FE,Air Force LOW-0214, when left untied (the laces don't reach the ground) or tied loosely.

If you plan on doing this a bunch, the ATR is an excellent option. (Adidas)

As far as long-term wear goes, I took my ATRs to the streets of New York on a recent trip to test them out. They held up nicely during what I'd consider an everyday amount of activity (~2-3 miles of walking broken up with extended sitting breaks), my feet not getting particularly sore despite a long stroll through Online Nike Magista Onda SG Football Boots Mens Black/Blue 207446BC,. But on two particularly grueling days, the first, an hours-long punk show on wood and concrete floors, and the second, Basketball Durant-0182,Outlet Nike Court Royale Suede Trainers Shoes Mens Black/White 636627WM,Nike Free44-0790,, my dogs were certainly barkin' when I returned home. Though I don't consider those days representative of normal use, the ATR, despite above-average comfort, is not a miracle worker.

Now, what about actually running in my running shoes? I'm not a hardcore or regular runner: My cardiovascular health is slightly above average at best, but I can put away 5 kilometers without trouble, and I did just that on the treadmill and on Portland's waterfront.

On the treadmill, the ATR provided a solid, comfortable ride. Perhaps it is because running on a treadmill is excruciatingly boring, but I found myself paying more attention to my body during this run, and I noted that the ankle sock kept my feet feeling more secured than with my normal low top running shoe Outlet Nike Revolution 2 Trainers Shoes Mens Royal/White 575708XU,.

However, the ATR really shined when running outside on a blustery November evening. Nike wonen Flyknit-0072,Sale Nike Zoom Cage 2 Tennis Shoes Mens Blue/Black/Wht 109558II,Nike Free45-0237,, partially down the Eastbank Esplanade and back on a damp day. It wasn't raining, but it had rained plenty earlier, and the path was slick and covered with fallen leaves.

Now, is all of this worth the $220 price tag? If your running shoe or fashion sneaker budget is high, then Basketball Rose-0071,SUPRA / METHOD BLACK SUEDE / BLACK TRUBUCK 08022-001-M,Basketball Kobe-0128, nabs you a stylish, high-performing variant on a cool sneaker that'll help you push through Portland's blusteriest winter days. Yet, if you aren't committed to winter running, $220 is a high price to pay for a sneaker that mostly just looks cool. Basketball Kobe-0124,VANS / ATWOOD (ROCK TEXTILE) BLACK / WHITE V0015GJKT,Air Force LOW-0119, As someone who gets my cardio in elsewhere, I wouldn't personally spend the $220 on a performance shoe which I am not using for its intended purpose.

Then again, I will be taking my next few runs to the streets in my ATRs as long as it isn't raining sideways.

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